The Filipino hot cake, a beloved breakfast staple across the Philippines, brings a delightful twist to the classic pancake. Unlike its American counterpart, this hot cake is thick, fluffy, and packed with a slightly sweet flavor that makes every bite heavenly.
It’s a nostalgic treat that many Filipinos grew up enjoying at local bakeries or in school canteens. Whether you want to recreate that comforting taste at home or introduce your family to a new breakfast delight, this Filipino hot cake recipe is simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, these hot cakes pair wonderfully with butter and a drizzle of syrup, or even a spread of ube jam or condensed milk for an authentic Filipino experience. Ready to impress your loved ones with a homemade Filipino breakfast classic?
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Filipino hot cake recipe stands out for its fluffy texture and subtle sweetness that isn’t overpowering. It’s incredibly easy to prepare with basic pantry staples, making it accessible for everyone, even beginner cooks.
The batter mixes in minutes, and cooking is a breeze—no fancy equipment needed.
Unlike American pancakes that are often thin and flat, these hot cakes rise beautifully, giving you a soft inside with a golden crust outside. They’re perfect for customizing with toppings or mix-ins like chocolate chips or fresh fruits.
Plus, the recipe is a great base if you want to explore other Filipino desserts or breakfast treats.
For more exciting breakfast ideas, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or try the Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor for a savory twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk (whole or evaporated milk preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Ladle or large spoon
- Cooling rack or plate
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your hot cakes will be light and fluffy.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the batter with a spatula or whisk just until moistened. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Rest the batter: Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder and soda to activate, creating a fluffy texture.
- Heat your pan: Place your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the hot cakes: Using a ladle, pour about 1/3 cup of batter for each hot cake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip each hot cake and cook for another 2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm: Transfer hot cakes to a plate or cooling rack. Repeat with remaining batter, adding butter to the skillet as needed.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For extra fluffy hot cakes, separate the egg whites and beat them to stiff peaks before folding gently into the batter at the end.
Variation: Add a handful of chocolate chips or sliced bananas to the batter for a tasty twist. You can also replace vanilla extract with a teaspoon of calamansi juice or zest for a subtle citrus flavor.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and replace melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. For gluten-free hot cakes, try using a gluten-free flour blend, but expect slight changes in texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 hot cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Serving Suggestions
Filipino hot cakes are best enjoyed warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of your favorite syrup. For an authentic touch, try condensed milk or ube halaya (purple yam jam) as toppings.
Fresh mango slices or grated cheese also make delicious accompaniments.
If you want to create a fuller Filipino breakfast spread, pair these hot cakes with Best Dinner Veg Recipes Without Rice for Quick Meals or complement the sweetness with savory dishes like tocino or longganisa (Filipino sausages).
Conclusion
Making Filipino hot cakes at home is a heartwarming way to start your day or impress guests with a taste of the Philippines. This recipe captures the perfect balance of fluffiness and sweetness, making it a delightful breakfast or snack option.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
By experimenting with toppings and variations, you can customize your hot cakes to suit your palate. Whether served traditionally with butter and syrup or with creative add-ons, these hot cakes never fail to satisfy cravings.
For more culinary inspiration, explore our recipe collections like the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of these fluffy Filipino hot cakes!
📖 Recipe Card: Filipino Hot Cake
Description: A fluffy and sweet Filipino-style pancake perfect for breakfast or snacks. Served best with butter and syrup or condensed milk.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or margarine for cooking
- Condensed milk or syrup for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Heat a lightly buttered pan over medium heat.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter for each hot cake onto the pan.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve warm with butter and condensed milk or syrup.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 32g
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